Chapter 181: Chapter 181: The New World Order
As a member of the design bureau, He Kui and Erlin easily integrated into the circle of other bureau directors.
"Director Erlin, how's the progress on the new mobile suit development?" one of the other directors asked.
"Very well, thanks to everyone's support," Erlin replied smoothly.
"The project is still primarily led by the Hailan Design Bureau, right? Maybe you could throw us a bone once in a while," joked the director of the Clark Design Bureau. Meanwhile, the six directors of the other three bureaus exchanged cold glances, uninterested in joining the conversation.
Currently, the consolidation of the design bureaus is underway. Some, like the Clark Design Bureau, were eager to curry favor with Hailan, hoping to secure stable positions after the merger, even if they didn't end up as directors. On the other hand, the three remaining bureaus had joined forces to try to undermine Hailan's lead.
However, despite their alliance, they still couldn't topple Hailan's position, which held primary responsibility for developing core projects like mobile suits. At most, the three aligned bureaus were tasked with auxiliary developments like the Meteor unit.
Still, He Kui and Erlin didn't dare get complacent. Any significant failure in their research could potentially jeopardize their standing. While the other bureaus were unlikely to resort to outright sabotage, it was best to stay vigilant, especially against potential espionage.
After a few more pleasantries, the commencement ceremony began, with Chairman Clyne formally passing the torch to Patrick Zala.
Lacus Clyne was also on stage. Despite the political defeat of the Clyne faction, her striking presence and serene beauty continued to draw attention. Standing beside her was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Athrun Zala, with similar hair and eye color — it was unmistakably Patrick Zala's wife. With a warm smile, she conversed gently with her daughter-in-law.
Patrick Zala took to the podium with a solemn expression, his voice carrying weight and conviction as he addressed the gathering.
"Today, I stand before you, not only as your new Chairman but as one of you, as part of PLANT. This is a moment of fervor, a moment that demands change!
"We, Coordinators, are born with extraordinary abilities and intellect. We are the pioneers of evolution, yet those frail Naturals have relentlessly tried to suppress us, to obstruct our path. They envy our strength, they fear our potential, and they have banded together to confine us within the shackles of their outdated world!
"But no! This is not our fate! We must rise and use our strength to forge a world that belongs to us!
"This is not just a call to arms; it's a call for revolution! We must overthrow the outdated rules and constraints of the old world. We must establish a new order, a world order that safeguards and is just to Coordinators!"
It was clear that Zala's speech would resonate deeply among his supporters, inspiring those who aligned with the Zala faction. Despite the survival of his wife, Patrick Zala's fierce determination and charisma remained as strong as ever. His call was not to eradicate all Naturals but to create a new, fairer order that respected Coordinators' rights.
He Kui felt some relief — Zala's speech didn't carry the genocidal tone of "exterminate all Naturals" but rather called for a reformed world. Had Zala's goal been complete extermination, it might have stirred some discomfort in He Kui; after all, such an ideology would be akin to genocide.
But as things stood, Zala's objective was clear: if the Earth Alliance refused a fair peace, he was ready to continue the fight until PLANT secured a better future.
Lost in thought, He Kui came back to attention as the speech ended. Zala descended from the podium, surrounded by admirers. Despite the crowd, he made sure to greet each individual with a handshake and brief words.
Soon, he reached He Kui.
Dressed in the highest rank ZAFT uniform, edged in regal purple and gold, Patrick Zala exuded authority and confidence, his air dignified and powerful.
"Director He, I appreciate the hard work you've put into the recent developments."
"For PLANT and ZAFT," He Kui replied smoothly, his words carrying conviction.
"Yes, all for PLANT. Director He, I trust you and Director Erlin to continue pushing forward, especially with the completion of the remaining new mobile suits."
"We'll do our utmost."
Zala's gaze softened, and with his other hand, he gave He Kui a firm pat on the shoulder. The exchange was brief yet cordial.
The inauguration ceremony concluded swiftly after, and He Kui, instead of heading directly back to May City, traveled to his asteroid base located just outside November City.
Stepping out of the hangar, he was immediately greeted by the familiar scent of perfume. Standing before him, wearing matching pale pink dresses, were the Hawk sisters, Luna and Meyrin.
"He Kui~! What brings you here?" Luna greeted him with an enthusiastic smile.
"Come on, Luna, it's 'Director He,'" her father chided from behind them.
"It's fine, 'He Kui' is just fine," he replied with a soft chuckle.
"See, Dad? He Kui doesn't mind!" Luna smirked as she clung playfully to He Kui's arm, startling both him and her father.
"Ahem, how's the progress on the facility construction?" He Kui asked, quickly redirecting the conversation.
"It's going well. We're down to just fine-tuning the radar systems," Hawk reported with a nod.
"Good."
Taking the opportunity, He Kui handed a round Haro robot to the sisters. Using the chance to discreetly remove his arm from Luna's grasp, he handed it over with a smile.
The last thing he needed was Luna's father watching him like a hawk (pun intended).
Turning his attention to the Haro, he explained, "This one's a new upgrade. Compared to the previous model, this version is twice as powerful in range and includes more precise electronic components. It's a combination of cutting-edge technology and resources."
The sisters accepted the gift eagerly, their excitement lighting up their faces as He Kui's combat and electronic warfare skills increased in tandem.
For Hawk, He Kui handed over a simpler, less advanced model to avoid any misunderstandings. After all, his own production capacity only allowed him to manufacture a limited number of these advanced units each month.
"Thank you, He Kui~!" Luna said cheerfully.
"No problem. Are you two here visiting your father?"
"Yes, we are!" Luna replied warmly, while Meyrin, still a bit shy, nodded quietly.
"Well, make sure to go out to town with him for a meal sometime. There's not much entertainment here on the base," He Kui suggested.
"Are you kidding? There are tons of amazing new machines here!" Meyrin's face lit up before she quickly grew quiet again, embarrassed.
"Director He, Meyrin means she'd love the chance to explore the facility if you're okay with it," Luna explained, gently patting her sister's head.
"Of course, no problem," He Kui replied, giving Meyrin a reassuring smile that turned her cheeks a deeper shade of red.
"Thank you," she murmured.
He Kui exchanged a few more words with the sisters, watching as Meyrin's admiration for him grew.
Once he felt they were settled, he bid them farewell and made his way to the radar station.
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